Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation required the approval of this many states to be ratified.
13
Under the Articles, this (leadership) branch of government did not exist at the national level.
Executive Branch
The Constitutional Convention took place in this city and what date?
Philadelphia in May 1787
The first three words of the Preamble, emphasize that the government's authority comes from the people.
"We the People"
This group supported a strong national government and favored the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
Federalists
This group was the main body of government under the Articles of Confederation.
Continental Congress
The inability to raise this for defense left the new nation vulnerable.
National Army
This principle divides government responsibilities into three distinct branches to prevent any group from gaining too much power.
Separation of Powers
In the Preamble, this phrase refers to maintaining peace and order within the country.
"insure domestic tranquility"
The Anti-Federalists wanted this document added to the Constitution to protect individual rights.
The Bill of Rights
All thirteen states had to agree to any changes in the Articles of Confederation. Changes to the Articles required...
Unanimous Consent
The national government under the Articles had no power to do this, a key issue that led to its failure.
Impose Taxes
This branch of government is responsible for enforcing the laws of the United States.
Executive Branch
This phrase in the Preamble means the government aims to protect the country from external threats.
"provide for the common defense"
Federalists believed that these checks and balances in the Constitution would prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Separation of Powers
The Articles of Confederation left most governmental powers in the hands of the...
States
This 1786-87 rebellion exposed the weaknesses of the Articles, particularly the inability to maintain order.
Shays' Rebellion
This branch of government interprets the constitutionality of laws and includes the Supreme Court.
Judicial Branch
In the Preamble, this phrase refers to creating a system of fairness for all citizens.
"establish justice"
Anti-Federalists feared that the President might become too powerful and act like this type of ruler.
King
The U.S. Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation after this convention.
The Articles limited the ability of the national government to regulate...
Trade
This branch of government, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, can make laws.
Legislative Branch
The Preamble states that the government exists to promote this, meaning the well-being of all its citizens.
"promote the general welfare"
3 Federalist writers, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, wrote a series of 85 articles and essays explaining and defending the new Constitution known as the...
Federalists Papers